Gas Leak Detection

Gas Leak Detection Finds Small Leaks Before They Become Big Ones

Many of the world’s major natural gas transmission pipelines cross undeveloped and sparsely populated land. Natural vegetation quickly grows back after a pipeline has been laid, making it practically impossible to perform a ground based leak detection survey. However, there are critical safety and economic reason that such pipelines be surveyed on a regular basis to identify potential leaks and right-of-way anomalies.

Fortunately, Airborne's Gas Leak Detection system makes it possible to routinely and efficiently survey pipelines for leaks. Mounted on a helicopter, this system can immediately detect the presence of elevated levels of methane in the air above a pipeline.

How the Airborne Energy Solutions Gas Leak Detection System works

The Airborne's Gas Leak Detection System comprises a GasFinderFC CH4 gas analyzer, and external airborne probe. The GasFinderFC houses a laser diode, drive electronics, and microcomputer subsystems. Fiber-optic cable carries the laser light to the external probe (see photo below). The laser light makes four passes through this probe and is focused on a photo-detector. The resulting photo current is returned to the GasFinderFC control unit via coaxial cable for analysis.

The measurement probe has an effective path length of 2m, which yields a methane sensitivity of better than 1 ppm at three sample readings per second. The probe employs a robust mechanical design with simple, stable optical components.

A portion of the laser beam is passed through a stable built-in reference cell inside the GasFinderFC to provide a continuous calibration update. The measure and reference signals are compared to determine the actual concentration of gas in the probe. This value can be viewed on a display unit and is transferred via serial interface to a data logging PC. The serial data signal also includes comprehensive system diagnostics.

A GPS system provides spatial coordinates to the data-logging PC once a second, which enables CH4 data to be mapped along the flight profile.

Operational Specifications:

  • Detection Limit & Accuracy: <1 ppm (CH4)
  • Range: 0 to 100 ppm (CH4)
  • Programmable alarm settings
  • Data rate: 3 readings per second
  • Recommended flying speed: 80 - 100 Km/hour
  • Recommended altitude: 100 - 200 Feet
  • Data handling GPS included

Click Here to see our fleet specifications
 

 

Features:

  • Urgent anomalies reported immediately
  • Provision of a full, detailed report (surpassing provincial standards) outlining the areas inspected, including a chart revealing area of elevated methane levels, as well as photo documentation of other anomalies {similar to Thermal/Leak Detection report}.
  • Post inspection data analysis.
  • Digital information of entire patrol provided in spreadsheet format on CD.

Benefits:

  • Survey speed of approximately 80-100 km/hour, depending on scope, terrain, and environmental factors.
  • Detection of methane levels below 1 ppm.
  • Readings are taken at a rate of 3 samples/second.
  • Simultaneous data logging of GPS position and concentration levels.
  • Simultaneous visual inspection detects: possible pipeline leaks, exposed pipe, erosion, vegetation issues, third party activity, missing signs and markers.

Applications:

  • Leak detection on gas or product pipeline
  • Facility emissions

Available Platforms:

  • Robinson R44
  • Bell 206 Jet Ranger